Tag: Q&A

A: Yes, one is given via a nasal mist spray and the other is given in the arm by injection.

Q: Who should get the vaccine?

A: (1) The nasal mist spray is given only to the HEALTHY

??? if you are between the ages of 2-24

??? between the ages of 25-49 if you care for infants younger than 6 months

??? health care and emergency personnel

You CAN NOT receive the nasal mist spray if you are pregnant, have chronic medical conditions, have had a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine, or have had Guillain Barre Syndrome.

(2) The flu injection is recommended for:

??? anyone between the ages of 6mo. – 24yrs.

??? pregnant women

??? people who live with or care for infants under 6 months

??? health care and emergency personnel

??? anyone between the ages of 25 – 64yrs with chronic medical conditions

Healthy 25-64 year olds and adults 65 years and older should receive the vaccine as more vaccine becomes available.

Q: How many doses are necessary?

A: If you are 10 years and older you only need one dose.

Q: Is the vaccine safe?

A: Yes, it is. The vaccine has been approved by the FDA and it has been widely tested. Side effects have been limited to the usual soreness and redness around the injection site as you would see with any injection. Getting the vaccine is much safer than getting the flu.

Q: If I got the seasonal flu vaccine, do I still need to get the H1N1 vaccine?

A: Yes. The two different vaccines treat two different strains of flu. It is safe to receive both vaccines.

Q: I already had the flu, do I still need the vaccine?

A: Yes. Many colds and flu-like illnesses circulate. Unless you were specifically tested for the H1N1 virus (your doctor took a nasal or throat swab and sent it to a lab to be tested) and confirmed that it was H1N1, you can’t be sure that’s what you had. Therefore, get the vaccine. It’s perfectly safe to get the vaccine even if you had the flu.

Q: What if I don’t get the vaccine?

A: Then you will remain vulnerable to catching the virus, and if you do catch the virus, you may infect others who didn’t get the vaccine.

Q: When will the vaccine be available at SHU?

A: We have requested 6,000 vaccines and should receive the first batch within the next few weeks. At this time it is unclear which type of vaccine we will receive. Following CDC guidelines, we will make the vaccine available to those most at-risk first. After that we will spread out the vaccine clinic times based upon availability and patient flow – we don’t want you to have to stand in line for a long time. Watch your email, check the web site, or follow us on Facebook for details about clinic times as they become available.